Large Fierce Mammal

“‘Darkness’, as it inspires me, isn’t limited to expressions of evil, mayhem, and bad outcomes. Something can also be considered “dark” if it is unknown, misunderstood, or incorrectly interpreted.” ~ The Book of Dark Sentiments

Wolverine. Source: https://www.facebook.com/VillafaneStudios/photos/a.112785518783075.13531.112710202123940/112785742116386/?type=3&theater

The Artistry of Ray Villafane (sample above) and his fellow Artists Andy Bergholtz and Chris Vierra who together form the creative Force of Nature that is Villafane Studios, have been a Dark Sentiments fixture since the beginning. Historically, I have drawn attention to his exquisite and often darkly humourous expressions that employ the lowly Pumpkin, and delved slightly into the Studio’s breathtaking forays into sand sculpture, but today I’m going to talk about another aspect of his talent – Toys and collectible sculptures.

Ray’s first “practice” sculpture actually became his first professional sculpture. In 2004, Ray was sculpting a Logan version of the X-Men character, Wolverine. He researched online sculpting forums for tips and posted his work-in-progress, requesting feedback from other sculptors. His piece caught the attention of popular sculpting icon Randy Bowen of Bowen Designs. Bowen contacted Ray and offered to produce the statue. Between 2004 and 2005, Ray went on to sculpt several statues for Bowen Designs, including such Marvel characters as Sabretooth, Magneto (the companion piece to his Logan) and The Punisher. After undertaking a commissioned piece for the collectibles division of DC Comics, DC Direct, Ray was offered a two-year exclusive contract with DC in 2006. He renewed the contract in 2008 for another two years. Within a year of trying his hand at sculpting he had gained notable clients such as Warner Bros./DC Comics, Marvel, McFarlane Toys, Hasbro and Sideshow Collectibles. ~ Villafane Studios

Today’s Dark Sentiment deals with a matter that more than fits the second definition of “dark” as described in the quotation at the top of this piece because, let it not be forgotten, something that is dark because, “… it is unknown, misunderstood, or incorrectly interpreted,” can, if left unopposed, lubricate a slippery slope to the kind of darkness that results in , “… expressions of evil, mayhem, and bad outcomes.”

Walter White action figures. Click to enlarge. (Source: Trevor Grove Sculpture)

And that brings us around to the subject of Walter White, the methamphetamine cooking, cancer surviving, ever devolving chemistry teacher from AMC’s very adult and highly successful television series, Breaking Bad. Or, more specifically, his beautifully crafted likeness that caused such a stir when it joined its plastic brethren on the shelves of the adult toy department of Toys R Us. What does this have to do with Ray Villafane? I give you this statement from the Villafane Studios facebook page, completely unedited, with the assurance that I couldn’t agree more:

The absolute COOLEST thing about creatives/artists is that we have a genuine appreciation/love of one another and love to support each others talents. Trevor Grove has graced us with his talents over time and we are super fond of him. He’s an AMAZING artist that comes from an amazing family inclusive of talented siblings. The Grove Brothers are in early stages of delivering some super badass Breaking Bad action figures but are already experiencing unnecessary road blocks along the way.

Toys R Us had Breaking Bad action figures on the shelves and labeled them appropriately for more mature audiences. Some whiney woman from Florida thinks they are “inappropriate” to have these collectible items in a toy store so started a Petition to have them pulled from shelves. So here’s what we have to say about that:

First, these being on shelves has ZERO affect on this ladies life or anyone else’s for that matter. A kid toodling through Toys R Us, totally breezes past anything that they are not interested in so likely wouldn’t even notice. Two, if a kid does pause and say “Mommy, whose that?” A simple “oh just a guy from a TV show” would be sufficient. Thirdly, and most importantly, if your kid is going to be influenced by a toy and you have a concern these toys are going to turn your kid into a drug dealer, then you need to be looking in a mirror and evaluating why, not pointing fingers.

And for the sake of saying so..Toys R Us carries video games that are rated for adults. Their slogan “I don’t’ want to grow up, I’m a Toys R Us Kid” clearly indicates that they want everyone to embrace their inner kid.

According to an Associated Press (AP) piece posted 21 October 2014, New Jersey based Toys R Us had this to say about Breaking Bad action figures: “Let’s just say, the action figures have taken an indefinite sabbatical.”

The article goes on to say:

The Fort Myers, Florida, mom, identified by news media as Susan Schrivjer, launched a petition on change.org last week, demanding that Toys R Us immediately stop selling the dolls. The mom, who wrote the petition under the name Susan Myers, said that the dolls are a “dangerous deviation from their family friendly values.”

“While the show may be compelling viewing for adults, its violent content and celebration of the drug trade make this collection unsuitable to be sold alongside Barbie dolls and Disney characters,” she wrote.

As of Tuesday, the petition had 8,000 signatures.

On Monday, Bryan Cranston, the actor who played White, responded to the controversy, tweeting, “I’m so mad. I am burning my Florida mom action figure in protest.”

Well said Mr. Cranston. Well said.